The Ultimate Guide To Christmas Markets In Europe

Winter is waiting in the corner and with November passing by I am sure most of you think where they want to spend the Christmas. Winter is magical everywhere but try to spend it in Europe and you will be fascinated until the end of your life! During this beautiful time of the year Europe if full of Christmas markets – they can pop up everywhere around you! They are the perfect place to enjoy Christmas carols, eat delicious food, drink wine and enjoy the magical Christmas decoration. Here you will find the ultimate guide to these city treasures in Europe.

The Christmas markets and festivals in Europe are also the perfect places to choose amazing and one of a kind gifts for your family and friends. Trust me, they will be amazed by the beauty! Last year I bought many hand-made Christmas decorations and they are pure perfection.

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If you need inspiration and you still don’t know where to spend the holidays just take a look at this list of magical winter destinations and book your holiday from here.

Christmas Market European Cities

Vienna, Austria

Imagine November and December in Vienna. This magical place transforms into a fairy tale during the winter months. Here is one of the most popular Christmas markets. It is called “Vienna Magic of Advent”. It turns the city center into a magnificent and shining place. Just imagine a place full of Christmas decorations Christmas gifts, sweet sensations all over the place and warming drinks. Of course, there’s something even for the smallest members – a magical and majestic carousel. Christmas workshops also are available for the kids. You don’t want to miss this fascinating scene from a fairy tale. The dates for the Christmas market are from 13th November to 23rd December. Bookyourstayforthebestpricehere.

Zagreb, Croatia

The capital city of Croatia is an amazing place. If you want to see something different try spending there the holidays or go to their Christmas market, which is voted two times in a row for a “European Best Christmas Market”. This is one of the best places to celebrate in Europe. The atmosphere in Zagreb during this Christmas market is exceptional. Zagreb is a very special place to be during the winter. You can wander around the city streets and see many people singing, dancing and having so much fun. There are many themed celebrations where you and your family or friends can take a part of. You can even try many traditional specialties. The Christmas market begins on 2nd December and it ends on 7th of January. Youcanbookyourstayhere.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of the most magical places in the world! The atmosphere there during the holidays is absolutely incredible. This is something you have to see! The city is festive and decorated with lights and it is pure perfection. The Christmas mood is all around the city. The Christmas market in the Old Square of the town is one of the most famous markets in Europe. There is full of gifts, decorations, traditional food, sweet desserts, wine, and music. You can experience a one of a kind Christmas market. The Prague Christmas Market starts on 2nd of December and it ends on 6th of January. Don’t wait – bookyourhotel or apartmenthere.

Budapest, Hungary

The Budapest Christmas Market is also called and known as “Advent Feast at the Basilica”. It is held every year in front of the grandest cathedral of Budapest. There are sparkling lights everywhere. The city gets really festive and majestic during this time. Here you can find absolutely everything. There are free attractions. One of the main attractions for children is ice-skating in a huge ice ring. The rink goes around a fabulous Christmas tree. There is also a modern part of this celebration like flash mobs and Hungarian hand-crafted products. It is interesting to know that this festival is eco-friendly. The Market begins on 24th November and it ends on 1st January. If you are already fascinated by this magnificent place bookyourstay here.

Cologne, Germany

If you want to be touched by the magic of Cologne and take a part of the festive Christmas Market you should save the dates from 27th November to 23rd December. You can hear the Christmas music all around the city. You can absolutely enjoy the scent of bakeries, the beauty of crafts and toys, the mulled wine and air filled with gingerbread scent. It is pure perfection! You will be absolutely fascinated by the beauty of the city during these magical days. You can save your trip from here.

Strasbourg, France

This is the Christmas capital of France and also the oldest Christmas Market in Europe. This market was first held in 1570. Strasbourg holds two of the awards for European Best Christmas Market for the years of 2014 and 2015. Being there in the city center makes you feel cozy and warm with all the beautiful decorations. There are many activities and events you can attend such as concerts with live music and cultural events. Save the dates between 25th November and 31st December. Choose your hotelorapartmentfromhere.

Paris, France

Paris is simply magical during the holidays. You can see enchanting views. You can also find everything there – magical decorations, arts, crafts and other festive objects. This is the perfect place to find some real inspiration for decoration. The atmosphere there is incredible. Walking through the wooden cabins all around the city center makes you speechless. You can enjoy this beauty from 23rd November to 28ht December. Save your triphere.

Munich, Germany

I saved the best for the last! If you have to pick only one place where to visit the Christmas Market it should definitely be Munich. The festive and enchanting place is Marienplatz. Do you know there are 24 Christmas Markets in Munich? They all are pretty impressive and deserve to be seen! Prepare for music, traditional dishes, beautiful lights, mulled wine, decorations, crafts and many other surprises. All of this can make your stay really special. Save the dates from 27th November to 24th December. Book your hotel here at thebestpossibleprice.

I am sure you are going to fall in love with all these magical places! Don’t think too much – just go! Prepare your cozy and warm sweaters and enjoy the fascinating winter fairy tale!

Have you ever been to a Christmas Market? Where were you and how was it?

Hello
I live in Switzerland and we do have a spectacular Christmas market just in the Zurich Bahnhof but I see you did not mention it on your post.Having said that, I have been lucky to visit Chrstmas markets in most of these cities over the years apart from Zagreb which is on my to-do list.

Nice post,it made me think about Christmas already. I love the atmosphere on those Christmas markets. I study in Prague and enjoy the market there every year. I can also highly recommend the one in Krakow in Poland. They have amazing smoked cheese with cranberries and many other amazing things to try. I have never been to Zagreb and the Christmas time can be a good time to go there one day. 🙂

This post is perfect for us! We are planning a trip for this Christmas but we don’t know where… We have visited the ones in Munich but now we are curious to visit the markets in Prague, one of our favorite cities in Europe 🙂

My choice would be Zagreb, because I love Croatia with all my heart. But it looks like we’re going to stay home for Christmas this year, sipping mulled wine , covered with a warm blanket and there would be the smell of a Christmas tree in the air. Actually it’s my favourite kind of Christmas because it reminds me of home.

LOL, another Zurich native here, and I agree: Our Christmas markets are pretty neat, too! I’d looooove to go to Zagreb next year… I’ve heard so much about it, and Nürnberg last year was lovely, too! Smiles and Happy Pre-Christmas-Season!

What an amazing guide! I found this really interesting! I have been to a few Christmas markets in the Uk but my partner and I are planning to do a different foreign Christmas market every few years’ first stop Germany I think!

Excellent stories especially since it is holiday time. I love travel and your blog made me look forward to visiting next year. If you would like to share blogs on each others’ web pages please contact me. Best wishes and happy holidays.

I love the Christmas markets in Europe. I was in Germany a few years ago during Christmas time and I loved the Christmas markets that we went to. They were so fun! I wish we had them everywhere in the States!

Croatia is always on my list and I didn’t know that Zagreb was actually named the “European Best Christmas Market”. It’s always been my dream to visit Croatia, and once I get a chance to do so, I suppose I’ll make sure that I’ll do it around Christmas. 🙂

I agree with you, Prague is the most magical place on the planet. I still hope to move to Europe some day. I definitely at least want to get back to visit during the winter months to see all of the Christmas markets. What a fantastic trip that would be!

Thanks for the list. Although we do not make any travel plans during or around Christmas time, it is still great to know about these fantastic places to visit! Who knows someday we may decide to experience Christmas in any of those lovely places you mentioned.

Wow I didn’t realize all of these places would have Christmas markets! It would be neat to go to all of them and see the unique differences. You should add some photos to compliment your beautiful words 🙂

I love Christmas markets in Europe!! I’ve been Cologne and Prague . They were magical! I am doing Strasbourg and Paris this year. I can’t wait!! Great post. A good summary of the best Christmas markets around Europe. I will be ticking off the eventually!! 🙂

I have heard a lot about Christmas Markets in Germany and thanks for letting me know about the others across Europe like France, Hungary, and Austria! however, I would particularly want to see the Christmas night market in Zagreb because of what you have described and it is named the “Best Christmas Market in Europe” – very intrigued.
@knycx.journeying

I have only been to Christmas markets in London and around. They were lovely. Definitely, want to go to some of the others that you have listed down here. Shared this on G+ for future reference. Thanks!